A Los Angeles judge has ordered US musician D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, to stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The decision came after a five-day preliminary hearing. Prosecutors presented testimony from a dozen witnesses and graphic photographic evidence.
Hernandez's remains were found last September in a Tesla registered to Burke's home.
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The trial is set to begin within 90 days after Burke is charged on August 31.
Allegations and Evidence
Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Hernandez and dismembered her body after years of sexual abuse.
They claim he killed her because she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his multimillion-dollar music career.
Evidence read in court included threatening text messages Hernandez sent Burke in April 2025, warning she would kill him and ruin his life.
Hernandez reportedly arrived at Burke's Hollywood home in an Uber he sent. Prosecutors say Burke stabbed her upon arrival.
Detective Corey Farrell of the Los Angeles Police Department testified that text messages showed the defendant and Hernandez attended church together.
Farrell also noted Hernandez misrepresented her age to Burke, claiming to be 16 and 18 at different times.
Burke's defense argued insufficient evidence exists to prove guilt.
They said Hernandez's parents were aware of the relationship and consented to her traveling with Burke to London for a week.
Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski stated Burke "repeatedly expressed love and care for Ms Hernandez after they broke up."
They highlighted texts showing Hernandez insisted on visiting Burke despite his initial objections.
The defense pointed to the medical examiner's inability to determine how Hernandez's two penetrating wounds occurred and lack of surveillance footage showing Burke at home on the night of April 23 as gaps in the prosecution's case.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo found probable cause for trial, saying prosecutors met the burden for murder with special circumstances like lying in wait, financial motive, and eliminating a witness.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office only revealed a fraction of evidence and has yet to decide on seeking the death penalty.
Prosecutors presented evidence Burke ordered chainsaws, a body bag, an inflatable pool, and a shovel days after Hernandez's death, allegedly to dismember her body.
Criminalist Lauren Wallace testified chainsaws found in Burke's garage tested negative for blood, a point the defense used to argue the evidence is inconclusive.
Investigators have not found a third chainsaw Burke reportedly ordered.
